By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The Obiakpu community in Imo state has blamed the Shell Petroleum Development Company of oil spill devastation.
This was said in a statement made available on Friday by Spaces For Change.
It was stated that the spillage started two years ago from leakages of crude oil pipelines owned by the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company and operated by SPDC.
This resulted in an inferno in the community under the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the state that reportedly raged continuously for three days from 28th May to 30th before it was put out, according to the Punch.
In reaction, SPDC which responded in an interview by the Punch said that the spill was a result of third-party interference with its joint venture facility.
It said that the company responded promptly to contain the spread and put out the fire following its policy on oil spills.
The company stated, “Illegal activities by pipeline vandals, crude oil thieves and illegal refinery operators often result in fire outbreaks around our facilities and we respond promptly to quench the fire and clean up its impact.
“Government-led spill investigation reports are available on the SPDC spill website.”
